Monitoring and switchover of shared spectrum allocation manager to provide improved wireless service

ABSTRACT

According to one configuration, a system includes provisioning hardware and a wireless station that supports communications with one or more communication devices. The wireless station receives a first notification from the provisioning system. The first notification indicating that the wireless station is assigned to a first allocation management resource. The first allocation management resource operable to allocate wireless resources for use by the wireless station to support wireless communications. The wireless station communicates with the first allocation management resource to receive allocation information indicating the wireless resources allocated for use by the wireless station. In response to receiving a second notification that the wireless station has been reassigned to a second allocation management resource, the wireless station communicates with the second allocation management resource instead of the first allocation management resource to receive the allocation information.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of earlier filed U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/112,567 entitled “MONITORING AND SWITCHOVER OFSHARED SPECTRUM ALLOCATION MANAGER IN A WIRELESS NETWORK,” (AttorneyDocket No. CHTR-2018-62CIP), filed on Aug. 24, 2018, the entireteachings of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,567 is a continuation in part ofearlier filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/999,262 entitled“MONITORING AND SWITCHOVER OF SHARED SPECTRUM ALLOCATION MANAGER IN AWIRELESS NETWORK,” (Attorney Docket No. CHTR-2018-60), filed on Aug. 17,2018, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by thisreference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional wireless networks typically include one or more wirelessbase stations to provide mobile communication devices access to a remotenetwork such as the Internet. One type of base station is a so-calledCBSD (Citizen Broadband Radio Service Device). Such a device uses awireless channel allocated from a CBRS (Citizens Band Radio Service) tosupport communications with one or more mobile communication devices.

Typically, one or more wireless channels is allocated to a base stationby a SAS (Spectrum Access Service) to support communications with one ormore mobile communication devices. For example, a base station can beconfigured to communicate with the SAS to receive notification of thewireless channel allocated for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

There are deficiencies associated with conventional techniques of a basestation such as a CBSD receiving frequency/spectrum allocationinformation from a single allocation management resource such as a SAS(Spectrum Access Server). For example, if the single SAS assigned to thebase station fails and is unable to grant the wireless channel, the basestation is unable to continue using allocated wireless bandwidth in aCBRS band to support wireless communications with one or more mobilecommunication devices. Thus, a single point failure of the SAS preventsthe wireless station from providing wireless service to the one or morecommunication devices.

Embodiments herein provide novel ways of providing improved wirelesscommunications to one or more mobile communication devices in a networkenvironment.

First Embodiments

More specifically, in one embodiment, a communication system includesprovisioning hardware, monitor hardware, a wireless station, a firstallocation management resource, and a second allocation managementresource.

The provisioning hardware assigns the first allocation managementresource to the wireless station. During operation, the first allocationmanagement resource allocates wireless resources such as one or morewireless channels for use by the wireless station to support wirelesscommunications in a wireless network environment. The monitor hardwaremonitors an operational status of each of the multiple allocationmanagement resources. In response to the monitor resource detecting thatthe first wireless management resource becomes offline (such as due to afailure or other condition), the provisioning hardware reassigns thewireless station to the second allocation management resource.

In one embodiment, the monitor resource monitors: i) operability of thefirst allocation management resource, ii) operability of the secondallocation management resource, and so on. Monitoring operability ofeach allocation management resource can include repeatedly communicatingwith each of the allocation management resources to determine that theyare operating properly. If an allocation management resource does notproperly respond to inquiries or provide keep alive notices to themonitor resource, then the monitor resource deems the allocationmanagement resource to be off-line.

In accordance with further embodiments, the provisioning hardwarereceives a notification from the monitor resource regarding the healthstatus of each allocation management resource and potentially which newallocation management resource is to be assigned to a wireless station.When the monitor resource detects failure of the first allocationmanagement resource, the monitor resource notifies the provisioninghardware of the corresponding offline condition such as a failure.Assuming that the wireless station is initially assigned to receivechannel allocation information from the first allocation managementresource, in response to receiving notification of the failure conditionof the first allocation resource, the provisioning hardware sends amessage to the wireless station. The message from the provisioninghardware indicates the new assignment of the second allocationmanagement resource to the wireless station. After such assignment, thewireless station communicates with the second allocation managementresource (detected as being healthy and online) to receive channelallocation information.

In accordance with further embodiments, the provisioning hardware isfurther operable to communicate one or more messages including accessinformation to the wireless station. In one embodiment, the accessinformation indicates an address (such as a Uniform Resource Locator,network address information, etc.) indicating how to communicate withthe second allocation management resource and receive channel allocationinformation.

In accordance with still further embodiments, the allocation managementresources communicate amongst each other to negotiate availability andallocation of wireless bandwidth to each of multiple wireless stationsto prevent interference amongst multiple wireless station orcommunication devices using the allocated wireless bandwidth.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, each of the allocationmanagement resources allocates bandwidth from a shared, unlicensedwireless spectrum. For example, in one embodiment, the allocationinformation indicates information such as wireless bandwidth, wirelesschannel, etc., of a CBRS (Citizen Band Radio Service) band allocated foruse by the wireless station.

As previously discussed, the communication system as described hereincan include provisioning hardware. In one embodiment, the provisioninghardware receives a command from the monitor resource. The receivedcommand notifies the wireless station to switch over to communicatingwith the second allocation management resource for receipt of thewireless resources. The command causes the wireless station todiscontinue use of the first allocation management resource and registerwith the second allocation management resource to receive the wirelessresources to support the wireless communications.

Second Embodiments

Further embodiments herein include a system including provisioninghardware and a wireless station. The wireless station is operable toreceive a first notification from the provisioning system. The receivedfirst notification indicates that the wireless station is assigned to afirst allocation management resource from which to receive channelallocation information for use by the wireless station to supportwireless communications. Using the assigned one or more wirelesschannels as specified by the channel allocation information, thewireless station provides wireless service to one or more communicationdevices.

To receive the channel allocation information indicating the wirelessresources allocated for use by the wireless station, the wirelessstation communicates with the first allocation management resource. Inresponse to receiving a second notification that the wireless stationhas been reassigned to a second allocation management resource, thewireless station communicates with the second allocation managementresource instead of the first allocation management resource to receivethe allocation information. In one example embodiment, the secondnotification is generated in response to detecting an inability of thefirst allocation management resource to provide the allocationinformation to the wireless station or inability of the first allocationmanagement resource to provide permission to the wireless station to useone or more previously allocated channels.

In response to being reassigned to the second allocation managementresource instead of the first allocation management resource, thewireless station registers itself (such as via a registration update)with the second allocation management resource to receive updatedallocation information. In one embodiment, the second allocationmanagement resource receiving the registration update from the wirelessstation communicates with the first allocation management resource tocomplete the handoff. The first allocation management resource notifiesthe second allocation management resource of wireless resourcescurrently allocated to the wireless station. The second allocationmanagement resource then sends a registration response to the wirelessstation. The wireless station receives the registration response fromthe second allocation management resource indicating that the secondallocation management resource acknowledges that it is to provide thewireless station with channel allocation information. Thus, in oneembodiment, the registration response indicates registration of thewireless station with the second allocation management resource toreceive the allocation information.

The allocation information communicated to the wireless station can beany suitable information. For example, in one embodiment, the allocationinformation indicates wireless bandwidth such as one or more wirelesschannels of a CBRS (Citizen Band Radio Service) band allocated for useby the wireless station.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, the allocation managementresources can be configured to communicate with each other via tonegotiate use of an available spectrum amongst different wirelessstations. In one embodiment, as previously discussed, the secondallocation management resource is operable to communicateacknowledgement of a switchover to the first allocation managementresource in response to receiving the request (such as a registrationupdate request) from the wireless station.

In accordance with still further embodiments, the allocated wirelesschannel used by the wireless station provides continued wirelessconnectivity between the wireless station and the mobile communicationdevice during switchover of receiving the allocation information fromthe first allocation management resource to receiving the allocationinformation from the second allocation management resource. Embodimentsherein are useful over conventional techniques. For example, switchoverof a wireless station from a first allocation management resource to asecond allocation management resource in the event of a failure or othercondition reduces or eliminates an amount of time that a wirelessstation is non-operational due to the inability to receive channelallocation information or provide permission to use one or more grantedchannels. Thus, embodiments herein support moving a CBSD network to anew SAS without causing a network outage, providing better wirelessconnectivity service to communication devices in a respective network.In such an instance, the wireless system as described herein can be usedto provide connectivity for critical applications that requirecontinuous connectivity to a respective network.

Further embodiments herein include registering a wireless station with afirst allocation management resource that provides allocationinformation to the wireless station. The allocation informationspecifies wireless resources for use by the wireless station to supportwireless communications. In response to detecting a trigger condition,the wireless station is registered with a second allocation managementresource as a replacement to the first allocation management resource.The communication system provides continued use of the wirelessresources as specified by the allocation information during and afterswitchover of registration of the wireless station with the secondallocation management resource.

In accordance with further embodiments, a registration managementresource or other suitable resource communicates the allocationinformation from the wireless station to the second allocationmanagement resource.

In accordance with still further embodiments, the wireless stationreceives confirmation from the second allocation management resource orother suitable resource that the allocation information is valid for useby the wireless station.

Further embodiments herein include the first allocation managementresource communicating the allocation information to a registrationmanagement resource prior to detecting the trigger condition. Theregistration management resource verifies use of (or further use of) thewireless resources as specified by the allocation information to thesecond allocation management resource. In such an instance, the wirelessstation is able to continue to use the wireless resources allocated bythe first allocation management resource even though the wirelessstation is assigned to a new allocation management resource (secondallocation management resource).

In accordance with further embodiments, in a similar manner aspreviously discussed, the trigger condition is a failure of the firstallocation management resource.

Note that any of the resources as discussed herein can include one ormore computerized devices, mobile communication devices, servers, basestations, wireless communication equipment, communication managementsystems, controllers, workstations, user equipment, handheld or laptopcomputers, or the like to carry out and/or support any or all of themethod operations disclosed herein. In other words, one or morecomputerized devices or processors can be programmed and/or configuredto operate as explained herein to carry out the different embodiments asdescribed herein.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform thesteps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. Onesuch embodiment comprises a computer program product including anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computerreadable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions areencoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed in acomputerized device (hardware) having a processor, program and/or causethe processor (hardware) to perform the operations disclosed herein.Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code,instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged orencoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as anoptical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick,memory device, etc., or other a medium such as firmware in one or moreROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations canbe installed onto a computerized device to cause the computerized deviceto perform the techniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system,computer program product, etc., that supports operations as discussedherein.

One embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium and/or systemhaving instructions stored thereon to facilitate wireless communicationsin a network environment. The instructions, when executed by computerprocessor hardware, cause the computer processor hardware (such as oneor more co-located or disparately processor devices) to: assign a firstallocation management resource to a wireless station, the firstallocation management resource being one of multiple availableallocation management resources, the first allocation managementresource operable to allocate wireless resources for use by the wirelessstation to wirelessly communicate with mobile communication devices;monitor an operational status of each of the multiple wirelessmanagement resources; and in response to detecting that the firstwireless management resource becomes offline, assign the wirelessstation to a second wireless management resource of the multipleavailable wireless management resources.

Another embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium and/orsystem having instructions stored thereon to facilitate continuedwireless service to communication devices in a network environment. Theinstructions, when executed by computer processor hardware, cause thecomputer processor hardware (such as one or more co-located ordisparately processor devices) to: receive a first notificationindicating that a wireless station is assigned to a first allocationmanagement resource, the first allocation management resource operableto allocate wireless resources for use by the wireless station tosupport wireless communications; communicate with the first allocationmanagement resource to receive allocation information indicating thewireless resources allocated for use by the wireless station; and inresponse to receiving a second notification that the wireless stationhas been reassigned to a second allocation management resource,communicating with the second allocation management resource instead ofthe first allocation management resource to receive the allocationinformation.

The ordering of the steps above has been added for clarity sake. Notethat any of the processing steps as discussed herein can be performed inany suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programsand/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment stepsand operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructionson computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also canbe embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid ofsoftware, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as withina processor (hardware or software), or within an operating system or awithin a software application.

As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for use in thefield of supporting wireless services to communication devices. However,it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use insuch applications and that the techniques discussed herein are wellsuited for other applications as well.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features,techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in differentplaces of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each ofthe concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other orin combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more presentinventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in manydifferent ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments herein (BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS) purposefully does not specify everyembodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosureor claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description only presentsgeneral embodiments and corresponding points of novelty overconventional techniques. For additional details and/or possibleperspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directedto the Detailed Description section (which is a summary of embodiments)and corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless network environmentand distribution of channel allocation information to provide wirelessconnectivity according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of channel allocation information accordingto embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless network environmentand reassignment of an allocation management resource to a wirelessstation according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram of channel allocation information accordingto embodiments herein.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are example timing diagrams illustrating communicationsaccording to embodiments herein.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are example timing diagrams illustrating communicationsaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is an example diagram illustrating example computer architectureoperable to execute one or more operations according to embodimentsherein.

FIGS. 10-11 are example diagrams illustrating methods according toembodiments herein.

FIG. 12 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless networkenvironment and implementation of a registration management resourceaccording to embodiments herein

FIGS. 13 and 14 are example timing diagrams illustrating communicationssupporting switchover according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 15 is an example diagram illustrating method according toembodiments herein.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with general embodiments, a wireless communication systemincludes provisioning hardware, monitor hardware, one or more wirelessstations, and multiple allocation management resources such as a firstallocation management resource, a second allocation management resource,etc.

During operation, the provisioning hardware assigns the first allocationmanagement resource for use by the wireless station. Initially, thefirst allocation management resource allocates wireless resources tosupport wireless communications in a wireless network environment. Themonitor hardware monitors an operational status of each of the multipleallocation management resources. In response to the monitor resourcedetecting that the first wireless management resource becomes offline orunavailable (such as due to a failure), or detecting a business decisionto software to use a different allocation management resource, themanagement hardware reassigns the wireless station to the secondallocation management resource.

Now, more specifically, FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating awireless network environment and distribution of channel allocationinformation to provide wireless connectivity services according toembodiments herein.

As shown, the communication system in network environment 100 includesmonitor resource 170, provisioning resource 150, wireless station 121,wireless station 122, allocation system 141, allocation system 142,network 190, and controller 150.

Communication management resource 171 is configured to manage operationsassociated with wireless station 121. Communication management resource172 is configured to manage operations associated with wireless station122. Each of communication management resource 171 and communicationmanagement resource 172 reside at any suitable location in the networkenvironment 100.

In one non-limiting example embodiment, the communication managementresource 171 resides at or is co-located at the wireless station 121;the communication management resource 172 resides at or is co-located atthe wireless station 122.

Monitor resource 170 includes control resource 173. Allocation system141 includes allocation management resource 151 and correspondingrepository 181 to store information. In a similar manner, allocationsystem 142 includes allocation management resource 152 and repository182 to store information.

Note that each of the resources in network environment can be configuredto include appropriate hardware, software, or combination of hardwareand software to carry out respective operations as discussed herein.

More specifically, the monitor resource 170 can be implemented viamonitor hardware and/or monitor software; control resource 173 can beimplemented via control hardware and/or control software; provisioningresource 150 can be implemented via provision hardware and/orprovisioning software; allocation management resource 151 can beimplemented via corresponding allocation management hardware and/orallocation management software; allocation management resource 152 canbe implemented via allocation management hardware and/or allocationmanagement software, and so on.

In accordance with yet further embodiments, each of the allocationmanagement resources allocates bandwidth from a shared, unlicensedwireless spectrum for use by a wireless station (such as an eNodeB). Forexample, in one embodiment, the channel allocation information 131, 132,etc., communicated to the wireless stations can indicate informationsuch as wireless bandwidth, wireless channel, etc., of a CBRS (CitizenBand Radio Service) band allocated for use by the respective wirelessstation.

The allocation management resources 151, 152, etc., communicate amongsteach other regarding allocation of different wireless channels to thewireless stations in network environment 100. A portion of the availablespectrum (such as an unlicensed portion of the available spectrum) maybe available when it is not used by a respective incumbent user that hasa higher priority.

In one embodiment controller 160 determines when the channels in thespectrum are available and unavailable to the wireless stations for use.

As further shown, the controller 160 is in communication with theallocation management resources 151, 152, etc., to notify them whencorresponding wireless channels of the spectrum are available. Whenchannels are available, such as because they are not used by anincumbent user, the allocation management resources negotiate amongstthemselves to determine how to allocate the available wireless channelsto the wireless stations in the network environment 100. In oneembodiment, the allocation management resources communicate amongst eachother to negotiate availability and allocation of wireless bandwidth tomultiple wireless stations to prevent interference amongst multiplewireless stations or communication devices using the allocated wirelessbandwidth.

Prior to each of the wireless stations being able to transmit in thenetwork environment 100, the wireless stations must be allocated one ormore wireless channels for use by a respective allocation managementresource. In one embodiment, each of the allocation management resourcesrepresent so-called SASs (Spectrum Allocation Systems). Such systems canbe operated by the same or different service providers. In oneembodiment, a wireless network service provider (potentially differentthan the one or more service providers that provide the allocationmanagement services) provides and operates wireless station 121, monitorresource 170, and provisioning resource 150, etc.

In accordance with further example embodiments, as its name suggests,the provisioning resource 150 provisions which of the allocationmanagement resources is assigned to a respective wireless station.

For example, in this example embodiment, the provisioning resource 150is operable to communicate message 111 (such as access information) tothe wireless station 121 to notify the wireless station 121 of itsassignment to the allocation management resource 151. In one embodiment,the message 111 indicates an address (such as a Uniform ResourceLocator, network address information, or other information) in which tocommunicate with an assigned allocation management resource and receivechannel allocation information.

Additionally, the provisioning resource 150 is operable to communicatemessage 112 (such as access information) to the wireless station 122 tonotify the wireless station 122 of its assignment to the allocationmanagement resource 152. In one embodiment, the message 112 indicates anaddress (such as a Uniform Resource Locator, network addressinformation, or other information) in which to communicate with anassigned allocation management resource and receive channel allocationinformation.

Further in this example embodiment, to support wireless communicationswith mobile communication devices 101, the communication managementresource 171 of wireless station 121 uses the access information (suchas received in message 111) to communicate with the allocationmanagement resource 151. For example, the communication managementresource 171 communicates with the allocation management resource 151using network address information (such as a URL) as indicated by themessage 111.

The communication management resource 171 registers the wireless station121 with the allocation management resource 151. Allocation managementresource 151 stores registration information and other data inrepository 181. In response to registering with the allocationmanagement resource 151, the allocation management resource 151communicates channel access information 131 to the wireless station 121.

To support wireless communications with mobile communication devices102, the communication management resource 172 of the wireless station122 uses the access information (such as received in message 112) tocommunicate with the allocation management resource 152. For example,the communication management resource 172 communicates with theallocation management resource 152 using network address information(such as a URL) as indicated by the message 111. The communicationmanagement resource 172 registers the wireless station 122 with theallocation management resource 152. Allocation management resource 152stores registration information and other data in repository 182. Inresponse to registering with the allocation management resource 152, theallocation management resource 152 communicates channel accessinformation 132 to the wireless station 122.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram of channel allocation information accordingto embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the allocation management resource 151generates the channel access information 131 to indicate any suitableparameters that are to be used by the wireless station 121 to supportwireless communications in the network environment 100. In oneembodiment, the parameters include channel information indicating arespective one or more wireless channels that are being allocated foruse by the wireless station 121. More specifically, in this exampleembodiment, channel access information 131 indicates that the wirelesschannel #1 is allocated for use by the wireless station 121 to providewireless connectivity to resources such as the mobile communicationdevices 101.

The wireless channel assigned for use by the wireless station 121 can bespecified in any suitable manner. For example, the channel accessinformation 131 can be configured to indicate a name assigned to thesign channel, index value assigned to the wireless channel, a carrierfrequency of the assigned channel, a bandwidth of the assigned channel,etc.

Additionally, in accordance with further embodiments as shown, thechannel access information 131 can be configured to indicate informationsuch as a power level at which the wireless station 121 is able totransmit communications in the network environment 100.

In a similar manner, the allocation management resource 152 generatesthe channel access information 132 to indicate any suitable parametersthat are to be used by the wireless station 122 to support wirelesscommunications in the network environment 100. In one embodiment, theparameters include channel information indicating a respective one ormore wireless channels that are being allocated for use by the wirelessstation 122. More specifically, in this example embodiment, channelaccess information 131 indicates that the wireless channel #2 isallocated for use by the wireless station 122 to provide wirelessconnectivity to resources such as mobile communication devices 102.

The wireless channel assigned for use by the wireless station 122 can bespecified in any suitable manner. For example, the channel accessinformation 132 can be configured to indicate a name assigned to thesign channel, a carrier frequency of the assigned channel, a bandwidthof the assigned channel, etc.

Additionally, in accordance with further embodiments as shown, thechannel access information 132 can be configured to indicate a powerlevel at which the wireless station 122 is able to transmitcommunications in the network environment 100.

Referring again to FIG. 1, as previously discussed, via the message 111from the provisioning resource 150 to the communication managementresource 171 of wireless station 121, the provisioning resource 150assigns the first allocation management resource 151 to the wirelessstation 121; via the message 112 from the provisioning resource 150 tothe communication management resource 172 of wireless station 122, theprovisioning resource 150 assigns the first allocation managementresource 152 to the wireless station 122; and so on.

In a manner as specified by the received channel access information 131,the communication management resource 171 of the wireless station 121provides wireless connectivity to the mobile communication devices 101via use of the wireless channel #1.

In a manner specified by the received channel access information 132,the communication management resource 172 of the wireless station 122provides wireless connectivity to the mobile communication devices 102via the use of the wireless channel #2.

Accordingly, during operation, the first allocation management resource151 allocates wireless resources for use by the wireless station 121 tosupport wireless communications in the network environment 100. Thesecond allocation management resource 152 allocates wireless resourcesfor use by the wireless station 122 to support wireless communicationsin the network environment 100.

Note that if a respective allocation management resource becomesdisabled, fails, etc., in which such a resource is unable to distributechannel access information or confirm/grant permission of continued useof prior allocated channels as indicated by transmitted channelallocation information, then the respective wireless station can nolonger transmit in the network environment 100 until that wirelessstation is assigned to a new (replacement) allocation managementresource. This is because use of the wireless channel #1 in this exampleembodiment is contingent upon notification to the communicationmanagement resource 171 of the wireless station 121 that the priortransmitted channel allocation information is still valid for use.

Assume that there is no incumbent entity that results in deallocation ofusing wireless channel #1 and channel #2. In other words, assume againthat the wireless station 121 is assigned use of wireless channel #1 andwireless station 122 is assigned use of wireless channel #2. In such aninstance, during general operation, via a respective allocated wirelesschannel such as channel #1, the wireless station 121 provides mobilecommunication devices 101 wireless access to network 190. In a similarmanner, a respective allocated wireless channel such as channel #2,wireless station 122 provides mobile communication devices 102 access tonetwork 190.

As previously discussed, note again that the wireless channels such aschannel #1 and channel #2 can be allocated from any suitable availablewireless spectrum. In one embodiment, the wireless channel #1 and thewireless channel #2 are allocated from one or more channels available ina CBRS communication system.

As further discussed herein, the network environment 100 includesmonitor resource 170. The monitor resource monitors the availability ofthe allocation management resources 151, 152, etc., in the event ofdetecting that one or more of the allocation management resourcesbecomes off-line, the monitor resource 170 notifies the provisioningresource 150 which of the one or more wireless stations needs to beprovisioned a different, active, allocation management resource.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless network environmentand reassignment of an allocation management resource to a wirelessstation according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, the network environment 100 further includesmonitor resource 170. As its name suggests, the monitor hardware 170monitors an operational status of each of the multiple allocationmanagement resources 151, 152, etc.

In a specific embodiment, the monitor resource 170 monitors: i)operability of the first allocation management resource, ii) operabilityof the second allocation management resource, and so on. Monitoringoperability of each allocation management resource can includerepeatedly, occasionally, intermittently, continuously, periodically,etc., communicating with each of the allocation management resources todetermine whether they are operating properly.

In accordance with further embodiments, the provisioning resource 150receives a notification from the monitor resource 150 regarding thehealth status of each of the monitored allocation management resources.When the monitor resource 170 detects failure of the first allocationmanagement resource, or other condition such as that the allocationmanagement resource 151 is now unavailable to service the wirelessstation 121, the monitor resource 170 notifies the provisioning resource150 of the corresponding condition.

Embodiments herein switching assignment of a respective allocationmanagement resource to a wireless station if an allocation managementresource becomes offline (such as fails). For example, in oneembodiment, in response to the monitor resource 170 detecting that thewireless management resource 151 becomes offline (such as due to afailure), the control resource 173 notifies, via control information378, the provisioning resource 150 that allocation management resource151 is not available. Assume that the control information 378 (such as acommand) further indicates to reassign the wireless station 121 to thesecond allocation management resource 152 because allocation managementresource 151 is no longer available for use by the wireless station 121.

In accordance with the control information 378 indicating to notify thewireless station 121 to switch over to communicating with the secondallocation management resource 152 for receipt of channel allocationinformation instead of allocation management resource 151, theprovisioning resource 150 communicates message 311 (such as a commandand network address information of the allocation management resource152) to wireless station 121. In one embodiment, the command causes thewireless station 121 to communicate and register with the allocationmanagement resource 152 to receive channel allocation information 331and/or grant messages indicating permission that the wireless station121 is able to continue using a previously assigned wireless channel.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram of channel allocation information accordingto embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the allocation management resource 152generates the channel access information 331 to indicate any suitableparameters that are to be used by the wireless station 121 to supportwireless communications in the network environment 100. In oneembodiment, the parameters include channel information indicating arespective wireless channel that is being allocated for use by thewireless station 121. More specifically, channel access information 331indicates that the wireless channel #1 is still allocated for use by thewireless station 121 to provide wireless connectivity to the mobilecommunication devices 101.

The one or more wireless channels assigned for use by the wirelessstation 121 can be specified in any suitable manner. For example, thechannel access information 331 can be configured to indicate a nameassigned to the assigned channel, a carrier frequency of the assignedchannel, a bandwidth of the assigned channel, etc.

Additionally, in accordance with further embodiments as shown, thechannel access information 331 can be configured to indicate additionalparameters such as a power level at which the wireless station 121 isable to transmit communications in the network environment 100 via theassigned wireless channel #1.

Referring again to FIG. 3, as shown, the wireless station 121 continuesusing the wireless channel #1 to support wireless communications withcommunication devices 101 based on the channel allocation information331 received from the newly assigned allocation management resource 152.Note that as an alternative to receiving the new channel allocationinformation 331, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 can receive confirmation/grant permission messagesfrom the allocation management resource 150 indicating that the wirelessstation 121 is able to continue using the previously assigned wirelesschannel #1.

Note that the monitor resource 170 can be configured to monitor anysuitable resource to determine if a respective allocation managementresource is offline (no longer available. For example, as previouslydiscussed, the monitor resource 170 can be configured to communicatewith each of the allocation management resources. Additionally, oralternatively, the monitor resource 170 can be configured to receivefeedback from the wireless stations 121 and 122 regarding whether or notthe allocation management resources are online or off-line. In oneembodiment, the feedback received from the wireless station 121 or otherresource such as communication management resource 171 indicates whetheror not the wireless station 121 is able to communicate with its assignedallocation management resource. If the wireless station 121 is unable tocommunicate with the originally assigned allocation management resource151 as indicated by received channel access information 131, then themonitor resource 170 can be configured to notify the provisioningresource 150 of a respective newly assigned allocation managementresource 152 to the wireless station 122.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are example timing diagrams illustrating communicationsfacilitating reassignment of a new allocation management resource to awireless station according to embodiments herein. In this exampleembodiment, note that the mobile communication devices 101 mayexperience a wireless service outage when the communication managementresource 171 of the wireless station 121 transitions from using theallocation management resource 152 as a replacement to the allocationmanagement resource 151.

More specifically, via communications 178, the monitor resource 170notifies the provisioning resource 150 that wireless station 121 hasbeen assigned use of allocation management resource 151, which controlsuse of wireless channels by the wireless station 121.

Via communications 510 (such as message 111), the provisioning resource150 notifies the communication management resource 171 of wirelessstation 121 that wireless station 121 has been assigned to theallocation management resource 151. As previously discussed, thecommunications 510 can include network address information (such as aURL) notifying the wireless station 121 of the network address ofallocation management resource 151. Accordingly, the communicationmanagement resource 171 of the wireless station 121 communicates withthe allocation management resource 151.

Via communications 520, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 forwards appropriate information to the allocationmanagement resource 151 to register the wireless station 121 with theallocation management resource 151 to receive channel allocationinformation 131.

Via communications 530, the allocation management resource 151communicates a registration response to the wireless station 121indicating that the wireless station 121 has been registered with theallocation management resource 151. In one embodiment, thecommunications 530 include channel access information 131 indicating oneor more wireless channels (and other information) assigned for use bythe wireless station 121 to communicate in the network environment 100.

Via communications 540, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 communicates a grant request (such as a request touse the wireless channel #1) to the allocation management resource 151.

Via communications 550, the allocation management resource 151communicates a grant permission response, enabling the wireless station121 to use wireless channel #1. In one embodiment, the communications550 further include time information such as a heartbeat interval timevalue indicating rate at which heartbeat communications need to beperformed between the communication management resource 171 and theallocation management resource 152 in order for the wireless station 121to continue use of the wireless channel #1. Communications 550 canfurther include or specify transmit expire time information (time thatgrant is valid to use an assigned channel) to the communicationmanagement resource 171 of the wireless station 121.

Via communications 560, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 communicates a heartbeat request (for grant renewalto continue using the wireless channel #1) to the allocation managementresource 151.

Via communications 570, the allocation management resource 151 sends aheartbeat response with a grant renewal confirmation indicating that thewireless station 121 can continue to use the wireless channel #1. If thecommunication management resource 171 of wireless station 121 does notreceive a grant renewal confirmation within a threshold amount of time(as indicated by an expiry time value) since the last grant renewal, thecommunication management resource 171 of the base station 121 mustdiscontinue using the wireless channel #1 to support wirelesscommunications with the communication devices 101.

Via communications 378 from monitor resource 170, the provisioningresource 150 is notified of a trigger condition such as that thewireless station 121 is newly assigned allocation management resource152. Recall that the reassignment to the allocation management resource152 can occur for any reason such as because the allocation managementresource 151 fails, a business decision has been made to discontinueusing the allocation management resource 151, etc.

Via communications 580, the provisioning resource 150 notifies thecommunication management resource 171 of wireless station 121 that ithas been newly assigned to the allocation management resource 152instead of allocation management resource 151.

In FIG. 6, via communications 620, the communication management resource171 of wireless station 121 forwards appropriate information to theallocation management resource 152 to register the wireless station 121with the allocation management resource 152.

Via communications 630, the allocation management resource 152communicates a registration response to the wireless station 121indicating that the wireless station 121 has been registered with theallocation management resource 152. In one embodiment, thecommunications 630 include channel access information 331 (such as thesame as or different than channel allocation information 131) indicatingone or more wireless channels assigned for use by the wireless station121 to communicate in the network environment 100.

Via communications 640, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 communicates a grant request (such as a request touse the wireless channel #1) to the allocation management resource 152.

Via communications 650, the allocation management resource 152communicates a grant permission response confirming that the wirelessstation 121 is able to use the wireless channel #1. In one embodiment,the communications further include a heartbeat interval time information(rate at which a heartbeat needs to be performed between thecommunication management resource 171 and the allocation managementresource 152) and transmit expire time information (time that grant isvalid to use an assigned channel) to the communication managementresource 171 of the wireless station 121.

Via communications 660, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 communicates a heartbeat request (for grant renewalto continue using the wireless channel #1) to the allocation managementresource 151.

Via communications 670, the allocation management resource 151 sends aheartbeat response with a grant renewal indicating that the wirelessstation 121 is able to continue using the wireless channel #1.

The communication management resource 171 of the wireless station 121and allocation management resource 152 continue exchange of heartbeatrequests and responses so that the wireless station 121 is able tocontinue to use the wireless channel #1.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are example timing diagrams illustrating communicationsfacilitating reassignment of an allocation management resource accordingto a wireless station according to embodiments herein.

Note in this example embodiment that the mobile communication devices101 do not experience a wireless service outage when the wirelessstation transitions from using the allocation management resource 152for grant of the wireless channel #1 as a replacement to the allocationmanagement resource 151 because the switchover occurs before anexpiration of grant renewal time needed to continue to use of theallocated wireless channel #1 by the wireless station 121.

As shown, via communications 178, the monitor resource 170 notifies theprovisioning resource 150 that wireless station 121 has been assigned toallocation management resource 151, which controls use of wirelesschannels by the wireless station 121.

Via communications 710 (such as message 111), the provisioning resource150 notifies the communication management resource 171 of wirelessstation 121 that wireless station 121 has been assigned to theallocation management resource 151. As previously discussed, thecommunications 710 can include network address information (such as aURL) notifying the wireless station 121 of the network address ofallocation management resource 151. Accordingly, the communicationmanagement resource 171 of the wireless station 121 is able tocommunicate with the allocation management resource 151 to register.

Via communications 720, the wireless station 121 forwards appropriateinformation to the allocation management resource 151 to register thewireless station 121 with the allocation management resource 151 toreceive channel allocation information 131.

Via communications 730, the allocation management resource 151communicates a registration response to the wireless station 121indicating that the wireless station 121 has been registered with theallocation management resource 151. In one embodiment, thecommunications 730 include channel access information 131 indicating oneor more wireless channels assigned for use by the wireless station 121to communicate in the network environment 100.

Via communications 740, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 communicates a grant request (such as a request touse the wireless channel #1) to the allocation management resource 151.

Via communications 750, the allocation management resource 151communicates a grant response in which the wireless station 121 isgranted use of wireless channel #1. In one embodiment, thecommunications further include a heartbeat interval time information(rate at which a heartbeat communications need to be performed betweenthe communication management resource 171 and the allocation managementresource 152) and transmit expire time information (time that grant isvalid to use an assigned channel) to the communication managementresource 171 of the wireless station 121.

Via communications 760, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 communicates a heartbeat request (for a grantrenewal or permission to continue using the wireless channel #1) to theallocation management resource 151.

Via communications 770, the allocation management resource 151 sends aheartbeat response with a grant renewal. Note that if the communicationmanagement resource 171 of wireless station 121 does not receive a grantpermission renewal within an expiry time (threshold amount of time suchas specified by the channel allocation information) of a last grantrenewal, the communication management resource 171 of the base station121 discontinues using the wireless channel #1 to support wirelesscommunications with the communication devices 101. As further discussedbelow, in this example embodiment, the communication management resource171 performs a registration update (as discussed below viacommunications 810 through 840) with allocation management resource 152prior to a time expiration of a prior grant permission by the allocationmanagement resource 151 to use the wireless channel #1.

Via communications 378 from monitor resource 170, the provisioningresource 150 is notified that the wireless station 121 is newly assignedallocation management resource 152.

Via communications 780, the provisioning resource 150 notifies thecommunication management resource 171 of wireless station 121 that ithas been newly assigned to the allocation management resource 152instead of allocation management resource 151. Communications 780 canindicate an address or URL of the allocation management resource 152.

In FIG. 8, via communications 810, the communication management resource171 of wireless station 121 or other suitable resource forwardsappropriate information (such as a registration update request) to theallocation management resource 152 to register the wireless station 121with the allocation management resource 152 to receive channelallocation information 331. This notifies the allocation managementresource 152 that the wireless station 121 is attempting to continue useof a prior assigned wireless channel #1.

Via communications 820, the allocation management resource 150 notifiesthe allocation management resource 151 of the switchover request by thewireless station 121

Via communications 830, the allocation management resource 151communicates a switch response to the allocation management resource152. In one embodiment, via communications 830, the allocationmanagement resource 151 provides notification of the channel accessinformation 131 currently used by the wireless station 121 to providewireless services to communication devices 101.

Via communications 840, the allocation management resource 152communicates a registration update response to the communicationmanagement resource 171 of the wireless station 121. This notifies thewireless station 121 that the wireless station 121 is registered withthe allocation management resource 152 and that the wireless station 121can potentially continue use of the prior assigned wireless channel #1.

Via communications 850, the communication management resource 171 of thewireless station 121 communicates a heartbeat request (for grant renewalto continue using the wireless channel #1) to the allocation managementresource 151.

Via communications 860, the allocation management resource 151 sends aheartbeat response with a grant renewal confirmation. This notifies thecommunication management resource 171 that the wireless station 121 isable to continue to use the wireless channel #1.

The communication management resource 171 of the wireless station 121and allocation management resource 152 continue exchange of heartbeatrequests and responses so that the wireless station 121 is able tocontinue to use the wireless channel #1.

In accordance with further embodiments, the time difference betweenreceiving communications 770 (last heartbeat response resetting anexpiry timer and grant of using wireless channel #1) and receivedcommunications 840 or received communications 860 (next grant of usingwireless channel #1 again) at the communication management resource 171is less than a predetermined threshold value. For example, it may berequired that the communication management resource 171 of wirelessstation 121 receive an acknowledge/confirmation within a thresholdamount of time that the wireless channel #1 is still assigned for use bythe wireless station 121 to support communications with the mobilecommunication device 101. In other words, the time difference betweenreceiving grant in communications 770 and grant in communications 860must be less than a threshold value or the wireless station 121 mustdiscontinue using the wireless channel #1.

In one embodiment, the combination of communications (such ascommunications 810, 820, 830, and 840) provide an expedient way (such asamount of time less than a threshold value) of re-registering with a newallocation management resource and providing grant renewal confirmationsof using prior assigned wireless channel #1 such that the wirelessstation 121 is able to provide non-stop (continuous) use of the wirelesschannel #1 during switchover from allocation management resource 151 toallocation management resource 152. In other words, mobile communicationdevices 101 do not experience a loss of wireless service during atransition of the wireless station 121 switching from the allocationmanagement resource 151 to the allocation management resource 152 aslong as successive grant of using wireless channel #1 are less thanthreshold value.

FIG. 9 is an example block diagram of a computer system for implementingany of the operations as previously discussed according to embodimentsherein.

Any of the resources (such as provisioning resource 150, controlresource 173, monitor resource 170, allocation management resource 151,allocation management resource 152, etc.) as discussed herein can beconfigured to include computer processor hardware and/or correspondingexecutable instructions to carry out the different operations asdiscussed herein.

As shown, computer system 950 of the present example includes aninterconnect 911 that couples computer readable storage media 912 suchas a non-transitory type of media (which can be any suitable type ofhardware storage medium in which digital information can be stored andretrieved), a processor 913 (computer processor hardware), I/O interface914, and a communications interface 917.

I/O interface(s) 914 supports connectivity to repository 980 and inputresource 992.

Computer readable storage medium 912 can be any hardware storage devicesuch as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. In oneembodiment, the computer readable storage medium 912 stores instructionsand/or data.

As shown, computer readable storage media 912 can be encoded withcommunication management application 140-1 (e.g., includinginstructions) to carry out any of the operations as discussed herein.

During operation of one embodiment, processor 913 accesses computerreadable storage media 912 via the use of interconnect 911 in order tolaunch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions inmanagement application 140-1 stored on computer readable storage medium912. Execution of the communication management application 140-1produces communication management process 140-2 to carry out any of theoperations and/or processes as discussed herein.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 950can include other processes and/or software and hardware components,such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardwareresources to execute communication management application 140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system mayreside in any of various types of devices, including, but not limitedto, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wireless device, awireless access point, a base station, phone device, desktop computer,laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheldcomputer, workstation, network computer, application server, storagedevice, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, settop box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device,a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, set-top box,content management device, handheld remote control device, any type ofcomputing or electronic device, etc. The computer system 850 may resideat any location or can be included in any suitable resource in anynetwork environment to implement functionality as discussed herein.

Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussedvia flowcharts in FIGS. 10-11. Note that the steps in the flowchartsbelow can be executed in any suitable order.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart 1000 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 1010, the control resource 173 assignsallocation management resource 151 to provide channel allocationinformation to the wireless station 121. The allocation managementresource 151 is one of multiple available allocation managementresources available to provide channel allocation information towireless station 121, 122, etc. Based on the assignment, the firstallocation management resource 171 is operable to allocate wirelessresources for use by the wireless station 121 to wirelessly communicatewith mobile communication devices 101.

In processing operation 1020, the control resource 173 monitors anoperational status of each of the multiple wireless management resources151, 152, etc.

In processing operation 1030, in response to detecting that the firstwireless management resource 151 becomes offline, the control resource173 assigns the wireless station 121 to allocation management resource152.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 illustrating an example method according toembodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 1110, the wireless station 121 receives a firstnotification (such as message 111) indicating that wireless station 121is assigned to a first allocation management resource 151. In thisexample embodiment, the allocation management resource 151 allocateswireless resources for use by the wireless station 121 to supportwireless communications with communication devices 101.

In processing operation 1120, the wireless station 121 communicates withthe first allocation management resource 151 to receive channelallocation information 131 indicating the wireless resources allocatedfor use by the wireless station 121.

In processing operation 1130, in response to receiving a secondnotification (such as message 311) indicating that the wireless station121 has been reassigned to a second allocation management resource 152,the wireless station 121 communicates with the second allocationmanagement resource 152 to register the wireless station 121 with theallocation management resource 152 to be granted use of wirelessresources.

FIG. 12 is an example diagram illustrating a wireless networkenvironment and implementation of a (central) registration managementresource according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, in a similar manner as previously discussed,each of the allocation management resources 151, 152, etc., notifies theregistration management resource 1210 of currently assigned wirelessresources to respective wireless stations.

For example, as previously discussed, the allocation management resource151 produces channel allocation information 131 (for wireless station121) indicating wireless resources allocated for use by the wirelessstation 121 to provide wireless connectivity to user equipment such asmobile communication devices 101; the allocation management resource 152provides channel allocation information 132 indicating wirelessresources allocated for use by the wireless station 122 to providewireless connectivity to user equipment such as mobile communicationdevices 102; etc.

Prior to detecting a trigger event causing switchover of assigning thewireless station 121 a new allocation management resource, each of theallocation management resources communicate allocation informationassociated with or assigned to the wireless stations to the registrationmanagement resource 1210. In one embodiment, the registration managementresource 1210 acts as a central repository in which to store copies ofallocation information currently assigned to the different wirelessstations.

More specifically, via communications 1221, the allocation managementresource 151 notifies the registration management resource 1210 of thechannel allocation information 131 assigned to the wireless station 121;via communications 1222, the allocation management resource 152 notifiesthe registration management resource 1210 of the channel allocationinformation 132 assigned to the wireless station 122; and so on. Thus,registration management resource 1210 keeps track of the currentlyassigned usage of available wireless spectrum (e.g., wireless channels).

As further discussed below, the registration management resource 1210makes the stored allocation information for each of the wirelessstations available to any resource in the network environment 100. Forexample, in one embodiment, in response to detecting a condition such asfailure of the allocation management resource 151, the registrationmanagement resource can be configured to make the channel allocationinformation 131 available to any resource such as allocation managementresource 152, wireless stations, provisioning resource 150. etc. Thus,if the new allocation management resource 152 can retrieve the channelallocation information 131 from the allocation management resource 151,the allocation management resource 152 can communicate with theregistration management resource 1210 to receive notification ofwireless channels currently assigned to the different wireless stations.This is more particularly discussed below.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are example timing diagrams illustrating communicationsfacilitating assignment of a new allocation management resource to awireless station according to embodiments herein.

Note in this example embodiment that the mobile communication devices101 do not experience a wireless service outage when the wirelessstation transitions from using the allocation management resource 152for grant of the wireless channel #1 as a replacement to the allocationmanagement resource 151 because the switchover occurs before anexpiration of grant renewal time needed to continue to use of theallocated wireless channel #1. In other words, the wireless station 121continues to use the same channel allocation information 131 (assignedbefore the switchover) to provide mobile communication devices 101wireless connectivity to a remote network even though the wirelessstation 121 is assigned new allocation management resource 152 as areplacement to the allocation management resource 151.

More specifically, as shown, via communications 178, assume that themonitor resource 170 notifies the provisioning resource 150 thatwireless station 121 has been initially assigned to allocationmanagement resource 151.

Via communications 1310 (such as message 111), the provisioning resource150 notifies the communication management resource 171 of wirelessstation 121 that wireless station 121 has been assigned to theallocation management resource 151. As previously discussed, thecommunications 1310 can include network address information (such as aURL) notifying the wireless station 121 of the network address ofallocation management resource 151. Accordingly, the communicationmanagement resource 171 of the wireless station 121 is able tocommunicate with the allocation management resource 151 to register.

Via further communications 1320, the wireless station 121 forwardsappropriate registration information to the allocation managementresource 151 to register the wireless station 121 with the allocationmanagement resource 151 to receive channel allocation information 131.

Via communications 1330, the allocation management resource 151communicates a registration response to the wireless station 121indicating that the wireless station 121 has been registered with theallocation management resource 151. Such a registration indicates thatallocation management resource 151 controls use of wireless resources inthe network environment 100. In one embodiment, the communications 1330include channel access information 131 indicating one or more wirelesschannels, corresponding power transmit levels, etc., assigned for use bythe wireless station 121 to communicate in the network environment 100.

Via communications 1340, the communication management resource 171 ofthe wireless station 121 communicates a grant request (such as a requestto use the wireless channel #1) to the allocation management resource151.

Via communications 1345, the allocation management resource 151communicates a grant response for using wireless channel #1. In oneembodiment, the communications 1350 further include information such asheartbeat interval time information (rate at which a heartbeat needs tobe performed between the communication management resource 171 and theallocation management resource 152) and transmit expire time information(time that grant is valid to use an assigned channel) to thecommunication management resource 171 of the wireless station 121.

Via communications 1350 (or communications 1221 in FIG. 12), theallocation management resource 151 notifies registration managementresource 1210 of the channel allocation information 131 assigned for useby the wireless station 121. In this way, the registration managementresource 1210 keeps track of the channel allocation information 131assigned to the wireless station 121 (and other wireless stations).

Via communications 1360, the communication management resource 171 ofthe wireless station 121 communicates a heartbeat request (for a grantrenewal or permission to continue using any assigned wireless resourcessuch as the wireless channel #1) to the allocation management resource151.

Via communications 1370, the allocation management resource 151 sends aheartbeat response with a grant renewal notification. Note that if thecommunication management resource 171 of wireless station 121 does notreceive a grant permission renewal within an expiry time (thresholdamount of time such as indicated by assigned channel allocationinformation 131) of a last grant renewal, the communication managementresource 171 of the base station 121 must discontinue using the wirelesschannel #1 to support wireless communications with the communicationdevices 101.

Via communications 378 from monitor resource 170, the provisioningresource 150 is notified that the wireless station 121 is newly assignedallocation management resource 152.

Via communications 1380, the provisioning resource 150 notifies thecommunication management resource 171 of wireless station 121 that ithas been newly assigned to the allocation management resource 152instead of allocation management resource 151.

In FIG. 14, via communications 1410, in response to receiving the newassignment (or request for new assignment) to allocation managementresource 152, the communication management resource 171 of wirelessstation 121 forwards appropriate information (such as a registrationupdate request) to the allocation management resource 152 to registerthe wireless station 121 with the allocation management resource 152 tocontinue to use channel allocation information 131 or potentiallyreceive new channel allocation information.

In one embodiment, the communications 1410 from wireless station 121 toallocation management resource 152 include or indicate previouslyassigned channel allocation information 131 assigned by the allocationmanagement resource 151 to the wireless station 121. Accordingly,embodiments herein include communicating the allocation information 131from the wireless station 121 to the second allocation managementresource 152. In one embodiment, the communications 1410 notify theallocation management resource 152 that the wireless station 121 isattempting to continue use of a prior assigned wireless channel #1 andcorresponding channel allocation information 131.

Via communications 1420, the allocation management resource 152communicates a registration query to the registration managementresource 1210. The registration query notifies the allocation managementresource 151 of the switchover request associated with the wirelessstation 121. In one embodiment, the communications 1420 include aregister request message requesting wireless station registration and/orgrant information.

Via communications 1425, the registration management resource 1210communicates a switchover response (registration information reply) tothe allocation management resource 152. In one embodiment, thecommunications 1425 include notification of the channel accessinformation 131 (channel allocation, power information, etc., asindicated by the channel allocation information 131) previously assignedand currently used by the wireless station 121 to provide wirelessservices to communication devices 101. In one embodiment, viacommunications 1425, the registration management resource 1210 verifiesuse of the wireless resources, as specified by the allocationinformation 131, to the second allocation management resource 152.

Via communications 1430, the allocation management resource 152communicates a registration update response to the wireless station 121.In one embodiment, the communications 1430 include notification that thewireless station 121 has been registered with the allocation managementresource 152. In accordance with further embodiments, the communications1430 indicate that the wireless station 121 is able to continue usingthe channel allocation information 131 to provide wireless connectivityto mobile communication devices 101. Accordingly, embodiments hereininclude receiving confirmation (such as via communications 1430) fromthe second allocation management resource 152 that the allocationinformation 131 is valid for use by the wireless station 121.

Via communications 1435, the allocation management resource 152communicates a registration update message to the registrationmanagement resource 1210. In one embodiment, the communications 1435notify the wireless station 121 that the wireless station 121 isregistered with the allocation management resource 152 and that thewireless station 121 can potentially continue use of the prior assignedwireless channel #1. The communications 1435 can indicate that thewireless station 121 is still assigned use of channel allocationinformation 131 (wireless channel #1).

Via communications 1440, the registration management resource 1210communicates an un-register or deregister message to the allocationmanagement resource 151. This notifies the allocation managementresource 151 that the allocation management resource 151 is no longerassigned to communicate channel allocation information to the wirelessstation 121. As previously discussed, the allocation management resource151 may be disabled.

Via communications 1450, the communication management resource 171 ofthe wireless station 121 communicates a heartbeat request (request forgrant renewal to continue using the wireless channel #1 andcorresponding assigned channel allocation information 131) to theallocation management resource 152.

Via communications 1460, the allocation management resource 152 sends aheartbeat response with a grant renewal confirmation. This notifies thecommunication management resource 171 that the wireless station 121 isable to continue using the wireless channel #1 and corresponding priorassigned channel allocation information 131.

In a manner as previously discussed, the communication managementresource 171 of the wireless station 121 and allocation managementresource 152 continue exchange of heartbeat requests and responses sothat the wireless station 121 is able to continue to use the wirelesschannel #1 to provide communication devices 101 connectivity in a manneras previously discussed.

In accordance with further embodiments, the time difference betweenreceiving communications 1370 (such as a last heartbeat responseincluding a grant and resetting of an expiry timer) and receivedcommunications 1450 or received communications 1460 at the communicationmanagement resource 171 is less than a predetermined threshold value(such as timeout value). For example, as previously discussed, it may berequired that the communication management resource 171 of wirelessstation 121 receive an acknowledge/confirmation within a thresholdamount of time of a last grant that the wireless channel #1 andcorresponding channel allocation information 131 is still assigned foruse by the wireless station 121 to support communications with themobile communication devices 101.

In one embodiment, the combination of communications (such as one ormore communications 1410, 1420, 1430, and 1440) provide an expedient wayof re-registering with a new (healthy or operational) allocationmanagement resource (such as allocation management resource 152) andproviding grant renewal confirmations of using prior assigned wirelesschannel #1 such that the wireless station 121 is able to providenon-stop (continuous) use of the wireless channel #1 and correspondingchannel allocation information 131 during switchover from allocationmanagement resource 151 to allocation management resource 152. In otherwords, mobile communication devices 101 do not experience a loss ofwireless service during a transition of the wireless station 121switching from the allocation management resource 151 to the allocationmanagement resource 152.

FIG. 15 is an example diagram illustrating method according toembodiments herein.

In processing operation 1510, the system registers wireless station 121with a first allocation management resource 151 that provides allocationinformation 131 to the wireless station 121. As previously discussed,the allocation information 131 specifies wireless resources for use bythe wireless station 121 to support wireless communications withrespective mobile communication devices 101.

In processing operation 1520, in response to detecting a triggercondition, the system registers the wireless station 121 with allocationmanagement resource 152 as a replacement to the first allocationmanagement resource 151.

In processing operation 1530, the system provides continued use of theallocation information 131 (such as wireless channel #1) during andafter switchover of registration of the wireless station 121 with thesecond allocation management resource 152.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited to facilitate dynamicallocation of channel allocation information from one or more allocationmanagement resources depending on operating conditions. However, itshould be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in suchapplications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suitedfor other applications as well.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific detailshave been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimedsubject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., thatwould be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described indetail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of thedetailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms orsymbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digitalsignals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computermemory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examplesof techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processingarts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading toa desired result. In this context, operations or processing involvephysical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared orotherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. Itshould be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms areto be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms datarepresented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities withinmemories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmissiondevices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations tothe invention are presented in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: registering a wireless base stationwith a first allocation management resource; in response to a triggercondition, registering the wireless base station with a secondallocation management resource as a substitute to the first allocationmanagement resource; and continuing use of wireless resources asallocated by the first allocation management resource during and afterswitchover of registration of the wireless base station with the secondallocation management resource.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein thefirst allocation management resource specifies a wireless channel foruse by the wireless base station to support wireless communications in awireless network environment.
 3. The method as in claim 1 furthercomprising: at the wireless base station: i) receiving first allocationinformation from the first allocation management resource; and ii)communicating the first allocation information to the second allocationmanagement resource.
 4. The method as in claim 3 further comprising:receiving confirmation from the second allocation management resourcethat the first allocation information is valid for use by the wirelessbase station.
 5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first allocationmanagement resource communicates first allocation information to aregistration management resource prior to detection of the triggercondition; and wherein the registration management resource verifies useof the wireless resources as specified by the first allocationinformation and provides notification of the verification to the secondallocation management resource.
 6. The method as in claim 1, wherein thetrigger condition is a failure of the first allocation managementresource.
 7. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: communicatingan identity of a first wireless channel from the wireless base stationto the second allocation management resource, the first wireless channelallocated to the wireless base station by the first allocationmanagement resource.
 8. The method as in claim 7 further comprising:receiving a message from the second allocation management resourceindicating continued allocation of the first wireless channel to thewireless base station.
 9. The method as in claim 1 further comprising:at the wireless base station: receiving notification from a registrationmanagement resource to register with the second allocation managementresource in response to detection of the trigger condition.
 10. Themethod as in claim 9, wherein the registration management resourceprovides, prior to the trigger condition, notification to the wirelessbase station to register with the first allocation management resource.11. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: from the wireless basestation: i) communicating a first heartbeat communication to the firstallocation management resource to use a first allocated wireless channelallocated by the first allocation management resource prior to thetrigger condition, and ii) communicating a second heartbeatcommunication to the second allocation management resource subsequent tothe trigger condition, the second heartbeat communication communicatedfrom the wireless base station to use the first allocated wirelesschannel allocated by the first allocation management resource.
 12. Asystem comprising: a wireless base station operative to: register awireless base station with a first allocation management resource; inresponse to a trigger condition, register the wireless base station witha second allocation management resource as a substitute to the firstallocation management resource; and continue use of wireless resourcesas allocated by the first allocation management resource during andafter switchover of registration of the wireless base station with thesecond allocation management resource.
 13. The system as in claim 12,wherein the first allocation management resource specifies a wirelesschannel for use by the wireless base station to support wirelesscommunications in a wireless network environment.
 14. The system as inclaim 12, wherein the wireless base station is further operative to:receive first allocation information from the first allocationmanagement resource; and communicate the first allocation information tothe second allocation management resource.
 15. The system as in claim14, wherein the wireless base station is further operative to: receiveconfirmation from the second allocation management resource that thefirst allocation information is valid for use by the wireless basestation.
 16. The system as in claim 12, wherein the first allocationmanagement resource is operative to communicate first allocationinformation to a registration management resource prior to detection ofthe trigger condition; and wherein the registration management resourceis operative to verify use of the wireless resources as specified by thefirst allocation information and provide notification of theverification to the second allocation management resource.
 17. Thesystem as in claim 12, wherein the trigger condition is a failure of thefirst allocation management resource.
 18. The system as in claim 12,wherein the wireless base station is further operative to: communicatean identity of a first wireless channel from the wireless base stationto the second allocation management resource, the first wireless channelallocated to the wireless base station by the first allocationmanagement resource.
 19. The system as in claim 18, wherein the wirelessbase station is further operative to: receive a message from the secondallocation management resource indicating continued allocation of thefirst wireless channel to the wireless base station.
 20. The system asin claim 12, wherein the wireless base station is further operative to:receive notification from a registration management resource to registerwith the second allocation management resource in response to detectionof the trigger condition.
 21. The system as in claim 20, wherein theregistration management resource is operative to provide, prior to thetrigger condition, notification to the wireless base station to registerwith the first allocation management resource.
 22. The system as inclaim 12, wherein the wireless base station is further operative to: i)communicate a first heartbeat communication to the first allocationmanagement resource to use a first allocated wireless channel allocatedby the first allocation management resource prior to the triggercondition, and ii) communicate a second heartbeat communication to thesecond allocation management resource subsequent to the triggercondition, the second heartbeat communication communicated from thewireless base station to use the first allocated wireless channelallocated by the first allocation management resource. 23.Computer-readable storage hardware having instructions stored thereon,the instructions, when carried out by computer processor hardware, causethe computer processor hardware to: register a wireless base stationwith a first allocation management resource; in response to detecting atrigger condition, register the wireless base station with a secondallocation management resource as a substitute to the first allocationmanagement resource; and continue use of wireless resources as allocatedby the first allocation management resource during and after switchoverof registration of the wireless base station with the second allocationmanagement resource.